Instructions for moulding mouthguards
Gather the necessary materials
To properly fit your mouthguard, you’ll need: mouthguard, scissors, a bowl that fits the mouthguard with boiling water, a bowl of cold water, a towel. Ensure that you wash your hands and the mouthguard with soap and water.
Trim the mouthguard for length
Place the mouthguard into your mouth and bite firmly for 3 seconds. Remove the mouthguard and have a look at the indents on the inside surface. You may need to trim the ends of the mouthguard to make sure it fits comfortably and doesn’t irritate the back of your mouth. If it pokes into the back of your mouth, or causes you to gag, trim off a little off the back using scissors, making sure to round the edges off. A mouthguard is mostly used to protect the vulnerable front teeth, not the molars, so you’ve got some wiggle-room with regards to cutting it at the end.
Heat the mouthguard in boiling water
Boil enough boiling water to submerge the mouthguard. Start a small pot of boiling water on the stove. You can alternatively boil some water in the hot water jug or use a microwave. Place the mouthguard carefully and submerge it in the hot water and let it soften for 20 seconds.
Remove the mouthguard
Using a large spoon, carefully take the mouthguard out of the boiling water – be careful to make sure the sides do not fold and touch each other. Quickly place the mouthguard into a container of cold water for no more than 2 seconds. Then, blot the mouthguard using the towel and get it into your mouth as quickly as possible, adjusting it against your upper teeth. It should be warm but not uncomfortably hot.
Using your thumbs, push the mouthguard up and back against your molars and adapt it around your front teeth. Bite down firmly to get the impression of your lower teeth on the underside of the mouthguard. Place your tongue against the roof of the mouth to create pressure and suck the guard firmly against your top teeth. This will achieve a tight fit around your teeth. This should take 30-45 seconds. Do not chew the mouthguard or move it around in your mouth while you’re fitting it.
Place the mouthguard in cold water
Remove the mouthguard and soak it in the cold water. Let it cool for a minute and try the fit. It should fit snuggly against your top teeth without having to hold it in with you tongue, and it should fit naturally onto your lower teeth. If it feels uncomfortable or is ill-fitting, try remoulding it again until you get a proper fit.
If you feel a little nervous about the steps, here is a video to help. Your mouthguard is slightly different from the one shown in video – it generally will not have the front strap.
